T&T journalists decry increased political interferance at gov't-owned media entity

Journalists at the state-owned media house, Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG), have expressed deep concern about what appears to be increasing political interference at the station, the Trinidad Express newspaper has reported.



Several journalists are claiming that they have been mandated to broadcast only favourable news about the Government. The journalists are calling for the removal of chief executive officer, Ken Ali, who they say has not been doing anything to remedy the situation.



The journalists say that while it is their job to explain the Government's goals and policies, and to help mobilise and reinforce public support necessary for effective political action, they should also have the right to focus attention on controversial policies, expose corruption and hold politicians accountable to public opinion.



In a response to the journalists’ claims, CNMG has said that it adheres rigidly to its editorial policy and the newsroom was recently reassured of this in writing.